sisabet

Also - something I just realized: most of Kanye's commentary is actually focused on trends and mores in the Rap Industry. The song "Slow Jamz" is a play on old school romantic music (panty-dropping songs). If you don't already have a familiarity with the genre (or at least with the perceptions in the genre) I wonder how some of the songs will hit you? Because, take it from me, the honesty in his lyrics is entirely refreshing and genuine in a different way from Eminem (another scarily honest rapper).

For example, in "All Falls Down" he admits that his pursuit of outward trappings of wealth, things he cannot afford, he does this because he is self-conscious. He then proceeds to analyze just where these feelings originate. He isn't the first rapper to say some of these things - but he is one of the first to approach the subject with such humility and rue.

I say fuck the police*, thats how I treat em
We buy our way out of jail, but we can't buy freedom
We'll buy a lot of clothes when we don't really need em
Things we buy to cover up what's inside
Cause they make us hate ourself and love they wealth
That's why shortys hollering "where the ballas' at?"
Drug dealer buy Jordans, crackhead buy crack
And a white man get paid off of all of that


*referencing famous and controversial N.W.A. song "Fuck tha Police"